Vespasianus Titus Tunnel and Beşikli Cave Situated in the area known as the Çevlik Ruins in Hatay, the Vespasianus Titus Tunnel was constructed in the 1st century AD under the order of Emperor Vespasian. Its primary purpose was to shield the ancient city of Selucia Pieria and its harbor from floodwaters and sediment accumulation. To address the issue, Emperor Vespasian initiated the construction of a tunnel system designed to redirect water flow by carving canals and tunnels into the nearby hills overlooking Selucia Pieria. The work began in AD 69 and was ultimately completed by his son, Titus, in AD 81. The massive engineering effort was carried out with the labor of Roman Legionnaires and Jewish captives. This impressive engineering feat was undertaken to protect and preserve Selucia Pieria, a vital Roman port city in the 1st century AD. The tunnel's construction showcases the technical skill and innovation of the ancient Romans, serving as a powerful symbol of their engineering legacy that continues to influence the world today. Curiously, even though the project saw the involvement of three Roman emperors, the tunnel bears the names of only the first two—Vespasian and Titus. Including the third emperor, the name Vespasianus Titus Antoninus Tunnel was considered too lengthy. In the present day, the Vespasianus Titus Tunnel remains a major historical attraction, admired for its architectural brilliance and regarded as a remarkable piece of ancient Roman engineering. The Vespasianus Titus Tunnel, stretching 1,380 meters in length, was initiated during the reign of Emperor Vespasian and finalized in the 2nd century AD under Emperor Antoninus. Built with the labor of Roman Legionnaires and Jewish captives, the tunnel takes its name from two emperors, both bearing the name Titus. Measuring 7 meters in height and 6 meters in width, this remarkable structure is located within the Çevlik Ruins in the province of Hatay. Next to the tunnel, toward the seaside end of the natural channel, lies the Beşikli (Cradle) Cave. This cave houses twelve rock-cut tombs, arranged in separate chambers divided by stone walls. These ancient tombs feature columns and arches, accessible by stone stairways descending into the burial spaces. The tomb entrances are artistically designed with carved columns, capitals, and steps, giving each one a distinct architectural identity. The Vespasianus Titus Tunnel, the nearby Beşikli Cave, and the surrounding ancient tombs have been included in UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List since 2014, recognized for their historical and cultural significance. If you have any questions or would like more information about the Vespasianus Titus Tunnel and Beşikli Cave, feel free to reach out to us via email at [email protected] or simply send us a message on WhatsApp—we’ll get back to you as quickly as possible.